Corinthian-Casuals 3 - 1 Worthing
Emirates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round Replay
Tuesday 7th September 2021
Report and Photos: Stuart Tree (images here)

Corinthian-Casuals booked their place in the Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round with an emphatic win over Isthmian League title contenders Worthing on Tuesday night.

An opening goal from Warren Mfula was complimented with a second half Bobby Mills brace as Casuals bested their Sussex opponents 3-1 following the stalemate between the two sides at the weekend.
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A replay at The United Business Group Stadium was required to decide who would face Leatherhead in the next round at Fetcham Grove. As with Saturday’s match, first blood was struck by Casuals, when sixteen year old Alfie Bendle put Mfula through who calmy ‘megged’ Harrison Male in the Worthing goal.

A blow was dealt to Casuals on the half hour mark as Mfula was taken off with a tight calf strain. It was down to Nat Pinney to lead the line of three forwards who caused Worthing’s back line problems all evening. Supporting them were the two livewires of AFC Wimbledon loanees of Bendle and Elliott Bolton, the latter of which unlucky to see his header go narrowly over.

The second half started perfectly for James Bracken’s side when the ever-impressive Kieron Cadogan started feeding pinpoint passes to the front three. Nat Pinney’s shot ricocheted off the inside of the post only to find Mills who made no mistake on the rebound.

Casuals looked to kill the game and were only thwarted by some excellent reflex saves from Male kept the Mackerelmen in the tie.

Thoughts of another ‘Wingate’ occurred when failing to put the game to bed, Aarran Racine’s excellent header just snuck past a despairing Danny Bracken to give Worthing hope. They rocked Casuals for a few moments, with the key chance falling to Reece Myles-Meekums who somehow blazed his excellent chance over the bar when it looked easier to score.

Turning points indeed as Casuals searched for some breathing room and found it with just two minutes remaining. Again, Bobby Mills on hand to finish the tie off to a rapturous contingent behind the goal.

There was one more heart-in-mouth moment when Jack Tucker’s pass back eluded Bracken only to come back off the post and into the Captain’s hands, but even with the two goal lead, it wouldn’t have been enough to save Worthing.

Overall, Casuals deserved this Tuesday evening victory with fine performances across the pitch. A fabulous evening’s entertainment once again lit up Tolworth in what was a thrilling ‘magic of the cup’ contest.

“We could’ve scored a lot more tonight,” said James Bracken after the match. “Their keeper’s made a couple of great saves just like my brother did on Saturday. We played well and we’re proving that we are a good side.

“Was this performance any better than the one against Kingstonian? Goals… that’s the only difference. We’ve created chances in every game. Even Saturday, we’ve missed two absolute sitters where we put them away and we win 3-1… same result as we got tonight.
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“We limited Worthing to few chances. We were far better at shutting them out.
 
“I’ll keep saying it; we’ve got a very good team here. We just have to keep these performances up. We’ve had great results in the past, where people don’t think we’re going to get them – and we deserve them. But we need to make it a regular occurrence. We need to ensure the levels of performance remain high. The desire, quality and chance creation stay where they are. If we take even half our chances, then other teams will need to score three or four to get anything against us.

“We’re playing some good stuff. We’re hard to break down. We’re not far off from having what I want.”

Casuals will travel to Leatherhead in the next round of the FA Cup to be played Saturday 18th September.  

Worthing 1 - 1 Corinthian-Casuals
Emirates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round
Saturday 4th September 2021
Report and Photos: Stuart Tree (full set of pics here)

Corinthian-Casuals and Worthing will do it all over again this week after the sides couldn’t be separated in the Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round.

Two early goals cancelled each other out at the Crucial Environmental Stadium on the Sussex coast which takes the tie to a replay at Tolworth.

Ben Cheklit struck for the visitors first, when Alfie Bendle’s ball found Warren Mfula who laid it off for Cheklit to squirm a shot under the body of young keeper Harrison Male. Just three minutes had passed and Corinth were off to the best possible start.

It didn’t last long though. Just eleven minutes later, a cross to Mo Diallo saw the striker rise above Jack Strange to equalise for the home side. It felt like it could be an afternoon filled with goals but alas, didn’t transpire that way.

Casuals custodian Danny Bracken was sharp on this afternoon making a number of top class saves and even when he was beaten, the post came to the rescue. At the other end, Casuals looked to use the counter-attack with the best of the half chances falling to Bobby Mills.

The second half saw play break down more as both sides tired in the rare summer sight of the sunshine. James Bracken’s side defended resolutely but created chances of their own. Manny Mensah probably should’ve scored when Jack Tucker’s ball into the six-yard box was fluffed by Mensah who couldn’t untangle his feet quick enough.

But the two chances that Casuals will rue missing came from substitutes Kieron Cadogan and Nat Pinney. The former Crystal Palace strike force had a couple of gilt-edged opportunities to win it at the death. The first where Cadogan was just pipped to a through ball by the very alert Male. The second, deep into time added on saw Pinney’s ball to Cadogan juggled in the area with several chances to get the shot off, only to eventually be snuffed by the Worthing stopper. It was heart-in-mouth moments.
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Overall, Worthing bossed the majority of possession but it will be Casuals who feel unlucky not to be leaving with the win.

​"I was pleased with our performance," said Manager James Bracken after the match. "The way we set up, the way we defended well. I watched the Worthing game against Bognor last week and if they’d have scored ten goals against them, you’d have said they deserved all ten. And that’s against another team who’ll likely be pushing for playoffs.

"The early goal from us stunned them. Even when they drew level, there was an expectation that they’d go on and take the lead. Worthing will always create chances against anyone at this level and against us, they could’ve won it, maybe should’ve won it, if they’re honest, with the chances we had at the end, they were bloody lucky to come away with a replay.

"If apply ourselves in the same way again in the replay, with a bit more rub of the green, then we can look forward to a place in the next round. I relish these games. We have another opportunity to face up to a very good side. They’re the favourites for the league and rightly so. But if we can get a draw at theirs and knock them out this week, we’ll take huge amounts of confidence from that.

"Hopefully we can get a good crowd in for the replay. Your support means everything to us... but get behind the boys right from the first whistle. The atmosphere in the second half of games has been better than in the first. Maybe get on the beers earlier! Do what you got to do! Whatever it takes, get behind the boys on the pitch because we want to make the place rock."

Corinthian-Casuals 1 - 1 Worthing
Bostik League Premier Division
Monday 22nd April 2019
Report: Cameron Smith. Photos: Stuart Tree (set here) and Andy Nunn (set here)

Warren Mfula’s booming header from an Osman free-kick was cancelled out by a late Worthing equaliser in Corinthian-Casuals’ final home fixture at King George’s Arena on a beautiful Bank Holiday afternoon.

“They’re delighted with a point and we’re disappointed.” James Bracken had an indifferent reaction to Saturday’s game at Potters Bar Town, even if it meant Casuals had secured safety in the Bostik Premier. It’s the James everyone knows and loves that would leave Hertfordshire disappointed with the 2-2 draw and rather than celebrating, most likely started preparations for Monday’s clash.

Worthing sat comfortably in the play-offs before arriving to Tolworth. Not looking to slip up with only two matches remaining, the promotion pushers brought dozens of supporters to match the buzzing home atmosphere in what would be an exciting penultimate game of the season.

Hannigan returned at centre-back for Casuals, but it did not mean Robert Jamison would sit out; the no.6 fit nicely in the midfield ahead of Ekim. Jack Tucker and Kevant Serbony made up the rest of the midfield whilst Mfula and Osman renewed their linkage up-front. The pink and brown faced the whites, and it was a cagey but very even start. Adelakun, who had really found his stride in Bracken’s starting eleven, had a half-chance from a corner in the first twenty. Worthing’s dominant drum drove the team forwards enough to shoot wide a few times before their big chance arrived. It was in the form of Joseph Clarke, who fancied himself from a fair distance but could not score past Bracken’s fingertips that edged the ball onto the bar. It was a sigh of relief for Casuals who seemed to struggle breaking down a solid defence. Half-time meant regrouping for both sides.

Supporters switched ends… for the final time. A half-time burger… for the final time. A pint of beer… for the final time. The beloved King George’s has been a faithful venue for the Casuals in this historic season- seeing wins, draws and losses… and plenty of scenes! It might be an overused phrase, but KGA really is a carpet. One of the league’s (if not the league’s) best pitches is a credit to all the work Jon, Dan, Bill and Conor put in every week this season. Cheers guys, and here’s to another year!

Counter-attack seemed to be the main tactic for Bracken and his team. For a squad littered with injuries to key players, it was incredible to watch the eleven put in a shift following less than 48 hours rest. Serbony was strong and restless, Tucker held his own, Osman was hounding the defence, Strange was winning headers and Spencer was sprinting. It was a great performance already, even when the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty kick. Harsh on the vocal contingent behind the goal, the Worthing massive had a chance to celebrate and take the lead, but Henry Ikeije dragged the ball well wide of Bracken’s right-hand post. The no.10 had won the penalty, which was unclear and met with appeals from the Casuals- Worthing missed a golden opportunity to go ahead. Would it come back to bite them? The answer is, quite frankly, yes.

A free-kick won by Antonio was placed on the right flank. Osman stepped up to take it as the array of shirts pushed and shoved in the area, very close to the Worthing keeper. Osman was keen to remind everyone that he tries hard but can also play hard. Swung into the back post with accuracy and perfect height, it was Mfula who rose above startled defenders to nod the ball in. It was magic number twenty for Warren! His twentieth of the season, Mfula’s fantastic leap had put Casuals 1-0 up against the odds. Mood behind the goal was like the heat. Beaming. For the striker, celebrations were only with one man and it was manager James Bracken as the team mobbed the duo in the 64th minute. One goal was bait on the end of a fishing hook for Worthing, and the Sussex side were out to get Casuals.

It was a remarkable defensive display from the hosts, who valiantly protected the goal they had scored like it was their own child. Using that analogy, Casuals were on the verge of having another one when substitute Benjamin Aghadiuno found himself clean through in the box. Adelakun and Osman interchanged the ball four times on the flank in a brilliant move that saw the midfield maestro cut inside and play in Aghadiuno, who was open. His shot was saved by Rebels’ no.1 Colovan. Gutting for the player and the fans, just ten minutes later there was a hitch to Corinthians’ fine afternoon. Singing did not seem to stop and that includes the aftermath of Worthing’s equaliser from Clarke. The no.5 had nicked a vital goal for his team that Bracken would be infuriated at especially in the 88th minute.

Byatt was introduced late on, and he challenged for the ball with the same energy as ever. When a late corner allowed Rebels’ keeper to venture forward, Byatt was chasing it alongside the no.1, but it came to no avail. And the three blows of the referee’s whistle ended the match with a draw. For the promotion pushers, it had been a nightmare. Sitting in 8th, they would leave their fate to the last game of the season. Corinth are now in 16th after adding another point in the gap between themselves and Kingstonian. Two points apart with one game left. Thank you to Worthing, good luck on the play-off hunt! King George’s is finished and used up now… well, not quite. Ground-sharers Kingstonian play Leatherhead on Saturday before a Sunday afternoon Supporters match between the Casuals and the K’s. For Bracken’s pink and brown army, it is an enduring but satisfying end to the campaign as an away day to Whitehawk beckons.
 
"The score-line is a fair reflection on the game," said Manager James Bracken after the match.

"Before we started, we’ve got ten players missing – and no less than seven missing since September. You only have to look at the players that stood next to the dugout this afternoon; 90% of them would get in my starting XI.

"We had ten out and a day’s less rest than Worthing, which is a massive difference having an extra 24 hours. We’ve had less than 48 hours rest and Saturday at Potters Bar was tough. It was an unforgiving pitch in unforgiving weather.

"To get out there today and put in the amount of effort that we did was superb.

"They missed a penalty, which was nice for a change – we had a bit of luck go our way. It gave us a boost and took a bit out of their sails and we looked the more likely to score for a while.

"A draw was fair, I’m happy with a draw but was disappointing to let in a late equaliser.

"We’re a tough team to play. We’ve had some losing streaks this year but we’ve also had our good wins and decent runs. In the last dozen or so games, you tell me where we haven’t competed and given our opposition a hell of a match? Win, draw or lose, our opponents will know they’ve been involved in a proper game of football. I have nothing but praise for the boys today to extract that amount of energy out of them considering the circumstances.

"You look at players like Kevant, Hamilton and Majed, who were dead on the hour mark but they still found that extra reserve and bit of quality. Boys like Mark Jamison. Hasn’t played for ages, comes into the side, plays ninety on Saturday, ninety today and finishing the game winning headers like a warrior. Just brilliant! Testament to all of them though with a great shift after a gruelling schedule.
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"We’re going to Whitehawk to win. We were as motivated today to win as we have been for any game all season. I believe if you’re someone who can turn off a winning mentality, you don’t have one. I’m not travelling to Whitehawk to go back home a loser, sit and think about that game all summer. We’re going down there to win, end on a high and look forward with a positive frame of mind. We give up too much time and effort, and we’re too professional to tolerate anything less than our best. If that’s good enough to win, then great. We’ll be going with the right intentions."

Worthing 3-0 Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 3rd November 2015
Attendance: 255
Match Report:Darren Pasley
Pics:Stuart Tree

A missed spot kick once again came back to haunt Casuals as hosts Worthing took full advantage to move above Corinth in the league table.

In truth they never looked back after taking the lead right on half time but for James Bracken's side it was definitely a case of “What might have been?”
 
With injuries still sweeping the squad making Josh Uzun, Stef Joseph , Sekou Kaba and Warren Morgan unavailable, Niall Wright reverted to full back for the first time this season whilst there was a rare start for Ben Cotton.
 
It was a bright opening from the hosts showing early on they have already adapted to their new pitch on which an artificial surface was installed over the summer.
 
Saturday's hat-trick hero Kevant Serbony volleyed over from edge of box in the 5th minute for Casuals' first effort as they sought back to back away wins following a 2-1 win at Chatham 10 days earlier.
 
Cherno Mendy - another scorer from the weekend, found Emmanuel Akokhia with a perfect low cross after breaking down the right but the striker couldn’t bring the ball under control with just the keeper to beat in the 7th minute.
 
There was a nice early flow to the game with both sides justifying their lofty positions and the seasoned Omar Bugiel fired just wide via a deflection as the hosts flexed their muscles for the first time.
 
Callum Overton cut in from the right and had a low left footed effort watched past the post by Danny Bracken as the evening mist started to descend on Woodside Road.
 
A Danny Dudley header sailed just over from Niall Wrights free kick before Casuals fashioned the best chance of the match so far in the 20th minute. Juevan Spencer and Danny Dudley linked well down the left with the latter crossing low for the arriving Mendy. However from 6 yards out his side-foot cleared the bar. In fairness to Mendy, the ball had sat up after deflecting off Gary Elphick's outstretched leg.
 
The home sides Lloyd Dawes who was a constant threat throughout the evening tested Bracken with a shot from 20 yards before switching flanks and getting inside Hodges before his low cross was cleared away.
 
Cherno Mendy's running was causing problems for the home defence and in the 39th minute after another run in which 3 defenders were left trailing in his wake he was upended just inside the area by Corey Heath. With regular penalty taker Uzun on the treatment table Akokhia stepped up but side-footed his effort onto the bar before it looped to safety.
 
This seemed to inspire the home side and right on the whistle for half time they took the lead. After breaking from a Casuals attack Dawes was the beneficiary of a couple of lucky breaks before playing in Bugiel who nipped in before Bracken to squeeze over the line.
 
Casuals made a good start to the second period with an early corner causing chaos and from the resulting loose ball Brandon Johnson was denied superbly by keeper Rikki Banks before the ball was twice hacked off the line as the home side survived.
 
It turned out to be Corinth's only real threat of the half however as Worthing looked likely to add a second. Bugiel came close after a low corner just evaded his sliding lunge before Dawes embarked on another run this time beating 4 men as bracken once again came to his sides rescue.
 
Just past the hour mark and Bracken saved with his legs to deny Dawes again after Bugiel was this time the provider. Dawes blasted a free kick just wide before the second goal - which was coming - arrived in the 76th minute. A corner from Dawes on the left saw Bugiel slip his marker to head home from 7 yards.
 
Dawes was rewarded for his own performance with 4 minutes remaining after finally beating Bracken with a low shot that was still almost kept out by the Casuals skipper.
 
There was still time for a Brannon O'Neil free kick to fly in; Bracken diverting over, before Shaun Brown misjudged a back post header from Mendy's cross as Casual's offered a late conciliatory response.

Corinthian Casuals 2-0 Worthing
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 8th August 2015
Report by Darren Pasley
Pics: Stuart Tree  (click here for full set)
Video: Steve Wigg (click here for goals)
Att: 184


Corinthian Casuals opened the new campaign in fine style as an brace from debutant Emannuel Akokhia was sufficient enough to see off Worthing at King Georges Arena

With new manager James Bracken at the helm the ex Sutton United Reserve manager fielded 9 new debutants with only Danny Bracken and Dave Hodges starting from last seasons squad.

After a very encouraging pre-season Casuals flew out the blocks and inside the first minute Diego Maradona played the ball into the path of Akokhia who rolled his marker Matt Hurley and fired off a shot inside the box which was beaten away by the legs of keeper Rikki Banks.

The early warning fired to the visitors came back to haunt them as in the 4th minute Hurley again found himself on the wrong side of the lively striker and this time Akokhia fired left footed across Banks into the bottom corner for the opening goal of the season.

The pressure continued as the home side’s pace and movement time and time again took apart the Sussex sides backline.
Diego Maradona was denied by keeper Banks in the 7th minute as the ball broke to him on the edge of the area but the visiting stopper got down well to divert for a corner.

Banks continued to keep his side in it as a slick move resulted in Sekou Kaba driving into the box and his cut back met by Maradona whose effort  was blocked by the keepers legs on the line. Moments later Akokhia picked up the ball on the right and his curling shot was tipped over.

Dave Hodges operating in a full back role saw whipped cross volleyed just over by Josh Uzun but in the 27th minute the lead was deservedly doubled.

A routine ball over the top should have dealt with by the experienced Gary Elphick but his attempted back header lacked the necessary purchase to reach Banks and the ever alert Akokhia nipped in to round the keeper and slot past the the covering defende on the line as Casuals took a two goal lead.

Banks prevented a 3rd yet again with his legs, this time Kevant Serbony denied after yet more good work from Maradona down the left.

Worthing for all the pre-season hype after a number of highly impressive and high-scoring performances rarely had an answer to their opponents desire and paid the price in the final third for poor decision making.
That being said they did come into the game during the latter stages of the half and right on half time Omar Bugiel should have levelled the match as his header from a corner hit the inside of the post before being clawed off the line by Bracken.

The Sussex side started the second half well with a series of early corners and in the 47th minute Ben Pope arrived unmarked at the back post but attempted a flying volley when perhaps a header would have caused Bracken more problems.

In truth Casuals seemed rarely troubled despite seldomly offering a threat of their own. Their opponents continued to disappoint in the danger areas with many overhit crosses and no real conviction inside or around the box.

With 6 minutes reaming Bugiel again went close with a headed effort from a corner which seemed to be his sides only real threat of the contest.

With Worthing pushing forward more gaps appearing as the game reached its concluding stages, striker  Sekou Kabba was denied a debut goal by the flying Banks with a spectacular save.

The win marked a superb first day at the office for Danny Bracken and after the match he spoke to Stuart Tree of his delight

“I thought we were fantastic from the first whistle. We never let Worthing settle into any style of play. They’ve tried to change it three or four times throughout the game but whatever they did, it didn’t work. It’s come down to the fact that we wanted it that little bit more. 

“Some of the boys have been focused on this first team opportunity for three or four years and now they’ve got it, they’re hungry to grasp hold of it. 

"Obviously, it’s about maintaining it now. This is just one game. We won’t get carried away but it’s a great start.

“Was it a bit feisty at times? It was a hot day… the first game of the season and no-one’s fitness levels are at their maximum. When you’re tired and you get a little nick, on another day you just get up and get on with it. But often on a hot day things can flare up a little. 

“I felt they instigated it a little towards the end of the first half. They were just trying to break the game down and stop our rhythm. However, we need to make sure that we don’t react and be professional, which we were second half after a little chat. From there, we remained in control and played well.

“You always worry when you go in at 2-0 because if they score at the start of the second half, it’s game on and all of your hard work in the first half can come undone. You certainly want to kill the game off. That said, we’ve taken two good goals in the first half hour and then never really looked in trouble. I’m happy with that. 

“Worthing are a good side… but today, we were just a little bit better.”

Corinthian-Casuals 0 - 3 Worthing FC
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 29th November 2014
Final score: 0-3
Match report and pics: Stuart Tree
 
Corinthian-Casuals’ defender Dan Bedford suffered a broken leg and a dislocation in the 3-0 loss to Worthing in the Ryman League Division One South.  


And the manner that Worthing scored their first left Casuals Boss Matt Howard disappointed with the opposition after they took advantage whilst Bedford lay stricken in the penalty box.  

Howard said after the match, “I was a little bit disappointed at the manner of their first goal, I thought that was poor from them, that's obviously the standard that they've set for themselves.”

Play was suspended for over 80 minutes to allow Paramedics to treat Bedford, who lay prone on the pitch after making a last ditch defensive tackle and thoughts were that the tie was to be abandoned. However, play resumed after the lengthy delay and Worthing added two more to seal the three points.

Bedford started as a replacement to the suspended Captain, Joe Hicks. New signing Joe Robson, recently acquired from Kingstonian also made his first league start for Casuals.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with Maz Bettache coming close for Casuals from a free kick. However, Worthing looked far more composed on the ball than they did back in August when Casuals ran out 3-1 winners and only a string of top-class saves from keeper Danny Bracken kept Corinth in the tie. Through Bracken’s efforts, both teams entered half time goalless.

However, only four minutes after the restart, Dan Bedford suffered his sickening injury but with the Referee allowing play to continue despite pleas from Casuals players, Worthing took advantage of the defender’s prone position to beat any offside trap and score uncontested.

After waiting over an hour for Paramedics to arrive, Bedford was given oxygen before being rushed to St. George’s Hospital to await being operated on.

After the second restart, Worthing dominated play and added two more courtesy of Cutis Gaylor and Will Berry to take all three points back to the South coast. 

After the match, Matt Howard said, "We all hope Dan is ok and on behalf of all at the club, we send our best wishes and get well soon.

“I think it was the right decision to finish the game. We have no complaints about that. 

“I was a little bit disappointed at the manner of their first goal, I thought that was poor from them, that's obviously the standard that they've set for themselves but I can't complain about the result… they were the better side and they deservedly won. 

“We'll regroup and go again on Saturday.”

Since Saturday, well wishes have been coming in for Bedford from across the UK and the large Brazilian support from Corinthian Paulista fans. 

Worthing player Jack Fagan tweeted: Thoughts are with the young Centre back Dan today for @CorinthianCas We all wish him a speedy recovery and hope he can come back stronger.

Fellow Ryman clubs Folkestone Invicta and Guernsey also tweeted their well wishes but the response on Facebook, where Casuals have over 129,000 fans has been overwhelming.  Over 125 tributes have been posted in just 12 hours including “Hang in there brother...take that Corinthian spirit and add it to your strength”, “Resilience is the hallmark of who wears the shirt of Corinthians. Will be no different. Have strength Dan!” and “Improve great champion, we're rooting for you. Know that you are part of the history of world football. #VaiCorinthians #GoCorinthianCasuals”

Worthing 1-3 Corinthian-Casuals 
Ryman League Division One South
Attendance 221
Wednesday 13th August 2014
By Darren Pasley

Casuals put their opening day disappointment behind them as they produced a clinical performance away at Worthing on Wednesday evening.

Our hosts with a reputation as one of the best footballing sides in the division came into the match on the back of a late defeat away to Faversham Town on Saturday.

Casuals made two changes to the starting line up with Lee Hall replacing Niall Wright, whilst Carl Wilson Dennis started with Ellis Wilson-Joseph dropping to the bench

The home side started comfortably knocking the ball about with ease and for the first of many times Danny Bracken was called into action t o make a stunning double save as both McCready and Dawes were denied in quick succession. McCready looking dangerous was foiled by Bracken again after a quarter of an hour when after bringing the ball down superbly in the box his effort was palmed clear and more importantly away from the onrushing Bugiel.  Casuals took the lead with their first meaningful attempt on goal in the 17th minute. After the home side failed to clear the ball Lee Hall making his debut showed good strength and composure to play in Byatt down the left hand channel and his cross was expertly flicked home first time by Dave Hodges. Within moments the same player nearly doubled the lead but this time his half volley flew just wide

Danny Dudley was next to go close but he side-footed wide of a gaping goal from 7 yards after Byatt’s corner fell unexpectedly into his path. Casuals continued to fashion out the clear cut chances with Byatt agonizingly close to opening his account for the season when he headed Spencer’s right wing cross down into the ground and off the crossbar. Despite the chances the home side went close again and Bracken flew down low brilliantly to his right to keep out an Omar Bugiel effort to ensure the scores were level going into the break.

As expected the hosts flew at their opponents after the break and Dawes was next to be denied by the flying Bracken, this time palming over the wingers effort from the angle of the box. Just as it seemed a long night could be on the cards Casuals doubled their lead. After receiving the ball from his keeper left back Will Hendon stood on the ball just outside the box and Juevan Spencer drove into the box and after rounding Jack Fagan in the home goal slotted home from the tightest of angles. The young home side were shell-shocked with the visitors seizing a firm grip on the game. It got better for the travelling contingent on 62 minutes when Jamie Byatt hit a stunning volley despite being at full stretch which flew past the helpless Fagan. Such was the technique it resembled Mark Hughes famous last-ditch effort for Man United vs. Oldham in an FA cup semi final 20 years ago. Manager Matt Howard immediately rang the changes giving the inspirational Byatt a rest. For all their efforts the home side finally beat Danny Bracken with 18 minutes remaining. Substitute Curtis Gaylor driving home from just inside the edge of the box when the ball fell kindly. The tempo suddenly increased as the home side found their rhythm. Trevor McCreadie went desperately close on 75 minutes when he volleyed a high ball into the box against the bar before heading the rebound over. Moments later Gayler fired just wide of Brackens right hand post but Casuals stood firm and apart from a final effort from McCreadie going just past the post they were troubled no further.

Speaking after the match Matt Howard commented

“It’s always hard to approach a match after losing your first game. Naturally, you’re a little bit nervous as you want to get points on the board as soon as possible. So to get that first win is a massive relief. Tonight's win is very, very pleasing in that respect and some great goals to boot.

“Danny Bracken was outstanding, but to be fair, he always is. But credit to all of them, they all kept their shape well against a team that are probably going to be the best footballing side we’ll play in this league all year. They move the ball around brilliantly. So, we had to be patient, keep our shape, our discipline and keep it in front of us at all times, which we did.

“It was very similar to last year when we came down to Woodside Road and we won 1-0, even though we got battered for ninety minutes, but again, we kept our shape and discipline and this year we had an end product to us.”